The relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and macular pigment optical density in hypertensive patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Inflammation may be associated with macular pigment optical density (MPOD) degradation. Objectives: The relationship between inflammation and MPOD is evaluated using inflammatory biomarkers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid level and ratio, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI). Method: In this cross-sectional design, 62 hypertensive patients were recruited between January 6 and January 8, 2022, at a primary care unit. The MPOD was measured using the Macular pigment screener II. Blood tests for hsCRP, lipid profile, WC measurement, BMI calculation, and completing a questionnaire were conducted, and statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel 2019 and Stata version 16.1. Spearman's rank correlation test was used to evaluate correlations. Multivariate analysis for adjusting confounders was done by logistic regression. Result: There was a significant negative correlation between hsCRP >3 and MPOD (r = -0.26, P = 0.04). Conclusion: Inflammation was linked to MPOD. Anti-inflammatory agents may be beneficial in preventing MPOD degradation.

The effect of short daytime napping on cognitive function, sleep quality, and quality of life in mild cognitive impairment patients.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a neurological disorder that can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by three to five times more than those with normal cognition. To better understand the effects of daytime napping on MCI patients, a study was conducted to measure the effects of short naps on cognitive function, sleep quality, and quality of life. In total, 38 participants were asked to take 20-minute naps between 1:00p.m. and 3:00p.m. three times a week for eight weeks. The cognitive function of the participants was measured using the Thai version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Thai-MoCA), their sleep quality was measured using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI), and their quality of life was measured using the Thai version of the Quality of Life (Thai-QoL) questionnaire. After the 8-week period, the participants' scores for the Thai-MoCA and the Thai-QoL questionnaire showed a significant improvement (p < 0.001 for both), while the Thai-PSQI decreased significantly (p = 0.012). This suggests that taking short daytime naps can help to improve the cognitive function, sleep quality, and quality of life of MCI patients.

Downregulation of Tumor Promotor Genes in Oryza Sativa Linn.-Induced Antiproliferative Activity of Human Squamous Carcinoma Cells.

OBJECTIVES: Oral cancer represents the third leading cause of death in Southeast Asia and targeted therapy could prevent or delay disease etymology. Oryza sativa Linn. (OS) extract has been implicated as an antitumor agent in many cancer types, however none has been investigated in human squamous carcinoma-2 (HSC-2) cells, thus we aim to investigate the effects of OS on HSC-2 cells. METHODS: Our study investigated the growth inhibitory effects of an ethanolic extract of OS on HSC-2 cells by BrdU ELISA and MTT assays, as well as changes in tumor promoter genes using RT-qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS: We found that OS was able to induce cell cytotoxicity and inhibit HSC-2 proliferation. OS also decreased the expression of genes involved in the TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway and genes involved in cell motility such as GPNMB, ITGB6, and E2F1 by RT-qPCR. Western blotting confirmed the downregulation of TGF-ß1 by OS. Co-treatment of OS and 5-Flurouracil also reversed Snail and Slug overexpression caused by HSC-2 exposure to 5-Flurouracil. CONCLUSION: Together, these results indicate that OS can inhibit HSC-2 cell proliferation and this may involve TGF-ß1 downregulation. Thus, this study shows OS could be useful for the treatment of patients with squamous carcinoma.

Gene Profiling of Cannabis-sativa-mediated Apoptosis in Human Melanoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Malignant melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer, accounting for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Prognosis is often poor and finding effective treatment remains a challenge. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are main bioactive components of Cannabis sativa plant extracts that have been shown to exert anti-tumor effects. In this study, we aimed to perform gene expression analysis of human melanoma A375 cells following stimulation with C. sativa extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene expression profiles of A375 human melanoma and Vero (control) cell lines were evaluated by RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: Flow cytometry showed that the THC+CBD cannabis fractions induced apoptosis on A375 cells. Induction of apoptosis was accompanied by a notable up-regulation of DNA damage inducible transcript 3 (DDIT), nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), growth arrest and DNA damage inducible beta (GADD45B), and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) genes and down-regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 (ARNT2), cyclin E2 (CCNE2), integrin subunit alpha 9 (ITGA9), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) genes. Treatment of A375 cells with the THC+CBD fraction inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which regulates melanoma cell proliferation. We showed that the THC+CBD combination disrupted melanoma cell migration. CONCLUSION: Use of C. sativa-derived extracts containing equal amounts of THC and CBD is proposed as a potential treatment of melanoma.

The efficacy and safety of the innovative cold atmospheric-pressure plasma technology in the treatment of striae distensae: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Available current therapeutics modalities for striae distensae (SD) provide inconsistently effective outcomes. There is ongoing research on innovative treatment modalities to find better treatment solutions. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of innovative cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology in the treatment of striae distensae. METHODS: This study includes twenty-three patients with striae distensae. The body was divided into two halves. One side was randomly treated with CAP biweekly on the same treated side for five sessions with 30 days follow-up after the last session. Another half was left untreated. Efficacy assessment was done using patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS), patient satisfaction scales, and Antera 3D® skin imaging system. Safety assessment was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) and adverse effects monitoring. RESULTS: Patient and observer scar assessment scale, patient and observer overall opinion score, and patient and observer total score in a summary of all rated characteristics, comparing treated and untreated areas, showed a statistically significant reduction in all parameters after one treatment (*p-value <0.05). Patients rated satisfaction as a great improvement in 52.3%, moderate improvement in 39.1%, extreme improvement in 4.3%, and slight improvement in 4.3%. Adverse effects included small scabs, shallow wounds, and rash. CONCLUSION: Cold atmospheric plasma is a safe and effective, innovative treatment modality for striae distensae with minimal side effects.

Efficacy and safety of the innovative cold atmospheric-pressure plasma technology in the treatment of keloid: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Keloid (KD) treatment is challenging for both physicians and patients. It can be functional debilitating and psychologically distressing. Available current therapeutics modalities give inconsistently effective results. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of innovative cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) technology in the treatment of keloid. METHODS: This prospective, randomized control trial, the assessor-blinded trial, includes 18 patients with keloids. The keloid lesion was divided into two halves. One side was randomly treated with CAP technology biweekly on the same treated side for five sessions with a follow-up 30 days after finishing the final treatment. Another half was left untreated as a control. Efficacy assessment using POSAS, VSS, Patients' satisfaction scale, Antera 3D® skin imaging system. The safety assessment using VAS and adverse effects monitoring was completed. RESULTS: Objective assessment using Antera 3D® skin imaging system (Miravex, Dublin, Ireland) showed statistically significant improvement (p-value <0.05) on the treated side compared with the untreated side in all parameters, color, melanin, hemoglobin, texture, except for volume. POSAS, patient, and observer overall opinion score, and patient and observer total score in the summary of all rated characteristics, comparing the treated and untreated areas, showed a statistically significant reduction in all parameters after two treatments (*p-value <0.05). VSS showed statistically significant improvement after the second treatment and continued to the last follow-up. Most patients rated satisfaction scales up to 72.2% as moderate improvement, 11.1% as great improvement, 11.1% as slight improvement, and 5.6% as no change. The adverse effect was only a small scab in one patient. CONCLUSION: CAP technology could be considered an alternative treatment for keloid offering mild-to-moderate improvement with minimal side effects.

Incobotulinum Toxin A with a One-year Long-lasting Effect for Trapezius Contouring and Superior Efficacy for the Treatment of Trapezius Myalgia.

Context: Based on various Botulinum toxin A products, reports of the lower efficacy of Incobotulinum toxin A compared with Onabotulinum toxin A for muscle contouring were observed. In addition, complications of trapezius myalgia and shoulder contouring treatment from malpractice have been reported. Aims: The study aimed at comparing the efficacy between Incobotulinum toxin A and Onabotulinum toxin A; research was conducted on a safe treatment technique for trapezius hypertrophy and trapezius myalgia. Materials and Methods: A split-shoulder, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed. Twenty volunteers with trapezius hypertrophy and trapezius myalgia were randomly injected with 30 units of Incobotulinum toxin A and Onabotulinum toxin A in each trapezius muscle guided by ultrasound. Results: The trapezius thickness among those receiving treatment with Onabotulinum toxin A and Incobotulinum toxin A on day 60 was 7.35 ± 1.11 and 7.33 ± 1.21 mm, respectively, which did not portray a significant difference (P = 0.991). Compared with the muscle size from day 60 to one year, the size of the trapezius muscle that had been treated by Onabotulinum toxin type A regained a significantly larger size compared with that treated by Incobotulinum toxin A (P = 0.027). On comparing the size of the trapezius muscle treated by Incobotulinum toxin A between one year and day 0, it was observed that the trapezius thickness at one year had significantly decreased (P < 0.001). On comparing the pain score from day 60 to day 0, it was observed that the pain scores of trapezius myalgia treated by Onabotulinum toxin A and Incobotulinum toxin A significantly differed (P = 0.003). Conclusions: Incobotulinum toxin A had the same efficacy but a longer lasting effect for the trapezius size contouring and a higher efficacy for trapezius myalgia treatment compared with Onabotulinum toxin A.

The efficacy and safety of autologous stromal vascular fraction transplantation for infraorbital skin rejuvenation: A clinical prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The stromal vascular fraction of fat tissue contributes to its rejuvenation properties. The stromal vascular fraction is a minimal processed cell population. Therefore, it is purportedly a suitable cell therapy for skin rejuvenation. OBJECTIVES: This clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transplantation of autologous stromal vascular fraction to aging skin in the infraorbital region. PATIENTS/METHODS: Nineteen patients were candidates for stromal vascular fraction isolation and transplantation. They underwent lipoaspiration of the abdomen to obtain samples of fat tissue. The stromal vascular fraction was thereafter harvested and transplanted in each infraorbital area. The patients' outcomes were measured and were based on surface evaluation of wrinkles, surface evaluation of scaliness, and melanin evaluation with a Mexameter. The red blood cell volume and skin elasticity were measured with an erythrometer and cutometer, respectively. RESULTS: Three months and 6 months after autologous stromal vascular fraction transplantation, the elasticity, wrinkle, and pigmentation of the infraorbital skin improved significantly, but not surface evaluation of scaliness and erythema. The phenotype also improved in the infraorbital skin area, as evaluated by physicians. CONCLUSION: The stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue represents an attractive cell source. In our study, preliminary data showed that clinical outcomes were also generally satisfactory with no serious adverse effects. Thus, stromal vascular fraction cells are safe for clinical rejuvenation use. We encourage future evidence-based controlled studies to maintain a strong focus on the efficacy and safety profile of stromal vascular fraction therapy.

Synbiotics supplement is effective for Melasma improvement.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a disorder of melanogenesis among humans causing localized, chronic acquired hypermelanosis of the skin requiring a combination of treatments. Related studies have shown probiotics contribute distinct advantages for skin disorders possibly including melasma because of its anti-inflammatory activities, anti-oxidation properties, ultraviolet protection, and tyrosinase activity inhibition. AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotics supplement on improving melasma (evaluated from mMASI score). METHODS: This research comprised an experimental study employing a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial among 57 Thai participants divided in 2 groups (29 for the experimental and 28 for the placebo groups). The participants were aged 30-50 years old, had Fitzpatrick skin type III-VI, with facial melasma on both sides of the face and attending Mae Fah Luang University Hospital, Bangkok from January-December 2019. Participants were randomly treated with oral synbiotics or placebo, 1 sachet daily for 12 weeks. Melasma severity and skin health were evaluated at 4 visits for each participant (baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively). RESULTS: Severity of melasma scored by mMASI of the synbiotics group was 7.54 ± 0.79, 7.36 ± 0.80, 7.16 ± 0.73, and 6.98 ± 0.72 at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively, and 7.51 ± 0.86, 7.52 ± 0.88, 7.54 ± 0.86, and 7.54 ± 0.89 at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively, in the placebo group. Comparing between two groups at week 12, melasma score in the synbiotics supplement group was significantly lower than that in the placebo group (P = .008). CONCLUSION: Oral synbiotics supplementation for 12 weeks improved the severity of melasma score.

Erratum to "Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Anthocyanins Extracted from Oryza sativa L. in Primary Dermal Fibroblasts".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/2089817.].

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Anthocyanins Extracted from Oryza sativa L. in Primary Dermal Fibroblasts.

Flavonoids are naturally active substances that form a large class of phenolic compounds abundant in certain foods. Black rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains high levels of anthocyanin polyphenols, which have beneficial effects on health owing to their antioxidant properties. The breakdown of collagenous networks with aging or skin deterioration results in the impairment of wound healing in the skin. Accordingly, reviving stagnant collagen synthesis can help maintain dermal homeostasis during wound healing. This study presents an assessment of the cellular activity of anthocyanins (ANT) extracted from Oryza sativa L., providing information necessary for the development of new products that support natural healing processes. The relative composition of ANT from Oryza sativa L. was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection. ANT promoted the migration of rat dermal fibroblasts (RDFs) and demonstrated antioxidant properties. ANT increased the mRNA expression of collagen type I alpha 2 (COL1A2) and upregulated type I collagen protein levels in H2O2-stimulated RDFs without cytotoxicity. Compared with the untreated group, treatment of RDFs with ANT in the presence of H2O2 led to the activation of signaling pathways, including the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and Akt, whereas it significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the phosphorylation of IκBα and suppressed the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) subunits, p50 and p65, which are transcription factors responsible for inflammation. Taken together, our findings suggest that ANT from Oryza sativa L. have anti-inflammatory properties and antiaging potential by modulating type I collagen gene expression and suppressing H2O2-induced NF-κB activation in skin fibroblasts.

Ethnic differences in stratum corneum functions between Chinese and Thai infants residing in Bangkok, Thailand.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ethnic and racial differences in infant skin have not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to establish whether there are ethnic differences and similarities in the stratum corneum (SC) functions of Thai and Chinese infants. METHODS: Healthy infants 6 to 24 months of age (N = 60; 30 Thai, 30 Chinese) who resided in Bangkok, Thailand, were enrolled. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and SC hydration (capacitance) on the thigh, buttock, and upper arm were measured. Ceramide content was determined in the SC on the upper arm. RESULTS: SC hydration was not remarkably different between the two ethnicities at any site measured, but TEWL was significantly higher in Chinese infants than in Thai infants at all sites. Hydration of the SC was not significantly correlated with age in either ethnicity. TEWL had significant but weak correlations with age on the thigh and upper arm in Thai infants. Ceramide content was significantly higher in Chinese SC than in Thai SC. No relationship between ceramide content and TEWL or hydration was observed in either ethnicity. CONCLUSION: The significant differences in TEWL and ceramide contents between Chinese and Thai infant skin could prove useful in designing skin care and diapering products that are best suited for each ethnicity.

Antiproliferative Activity and Induction of Apoptosis in Human Melanoma Cells by Houttuynia cordata Thunb Extract.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To analyze the apoptotic effect of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) extract on human melanoma A375 cells and its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of HCT on cell death were determined using the MTT assay. Hoechst 33342 staining was conducted to confirm the detection of cell apoptosis. Caspase-3 and caspase-8 mRNA and cleaved protein levels were investigated by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Caspase-3 and caspase-8 specific inhibitors suppressed HCT-induced cell death. HCT increased caspase-3 and caspase-8 mRNA, protein levels, and caspase activities in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. HCT induced MAPK phosphorylation in a time-dependent fashion. Pretreatment of cells with a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK reduced apoptosis and reversed the levels of HMGB1 release in response to HCT treatment. CONCLUSION: HCT induces A375 programmed cell death by activating the caspase-dependent pathway and by p38 phosphorylation associated with HMGB1 reduction.

Secondhand smoke exposure-induced nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HMGB1 in a rat premature skin aging model.

Secondhand cigarette smoke exposure (SSE) has been linked to carcinogenic, oxidative, and inflammatory reactions. Herein, we investigated whether premature skin aging could be induced by SSE in a rat model, and assessed the cytoplasmic translocation of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein and collagen loss in skin tissues. Animals were divided into two groups: SSE and controls. Whole body SSE was carried out for 12 weeks. Dorsal skin tissue specimens were harvested for HMGB1 and Mallory's azan staining. Correlations between serum HMGB1 and collagen levels were determined. Rat skin exposed to secondhand smoke lost collagen bundles in the papillary dermis and collagen decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared with control rats. In epidermal keratinocytes, cytoplasmic HMGB1 staining was more diffuse and there were more HMGB1-positive cells after four weeks in SSE compared to control rats. A negative correlation between HMGB1 serum and collagen levels (r=-0.631, p=0.28) was also observed. Therefore, cytoplasmic HMGB1 expression in skin tissues might be associated with skin collagen loss upon the initiation of SSE. Additionally, long-term SSE might affect the appearance of the skin, or could accelerate the skin aging process.

Preventive effects of Morus alba L. anthocyanins on diabetes in Zucker diabetic fatty rats.

The mulberry plant (Morus alba L.) contains abundant anthocyanins (ANCs), which are natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was to determine the ANC composition of Thai Morus alba L. fruits and to assess the effect of an ANC extract on blood glucose and insulin levels in male leptin receptor-deficient Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. The major components of the ANC extract were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. ZDF and lean rats were treated with 125 or 250 mg ANCs/kg body weight, or 1% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) twice daily for 5 weeks. Neither ANC dose had an effect on body weight. Following 5 weeks of treatment, glucose levels were observed to increase from 105.5±8.7 to 396.25±21 mg/dl (P<0.0001) in the CMC-treated ZDF rats; however, the glucose levels were significantly lower in the rats treated with 125 or 250 mg/kg ANCs (228.25±45 and 131.75±10 mg/dl, respectively; P<0.001 versus CMC). The administration of 250 mg/kg ANCs normalized glucose levels in the ZDF rats towards those of the lean littermates. Insulin levels were decreased significantly in the ZDF rats treated with CMC or 125 mg/kg ANCs (P<0.0001), but not in the rats treated with 250 mg/kg ANCs. Histologically, 250 mg/kg ANCs was observed to prevent islet degeneration compared with the islets in CMC-treated rats. This study, demonstrated that ANCs extracted from Morus alba L. were well tolerated and exhibited effective anti-diabetic properties in ZDF rats. ANCs represent a promising class of therapeutic compounds that may be useful in the prevention of type 2 diabetes.